O’Kawai /ka-why/ Kin (she/they) is a professional whose work encompasses education, council facilitation & training, nature connection, and art. Her academic background includes a BA in Sociology from San Jose State University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team. Diversity has always been incredibly important to O’Kawai, and she decided to further her education by earning a DEI certification from Cornell University.

O'Kawai's career demonstrates a lasting commitment to community and education. She spent five years as a behavioral therapist for children with autism before transitioning to outdoor education in 2009 with Celebrate Life, an organization where the practice of council is central. This experience was instrumental in shaping her path as a dedicated council facilitator/trainer and ceremonialist. O’Kawai taught in the Life Skills department at Crossroads School for Arts and Science, as well as Human Development at New Roads school. 

For over a decade, O'Kawai has been instrumental in teaching and facilitating council circles. Her work has reached diverse settings, including schools, professional development programs, and youth outreach initiatives, often in collaboration with The Ojai Foundation. Most recently, from 2022 to 2025, she held the position of Director of Education at Topa Institute, focusing on youth educational programs, council training, and ceremonial practices. O’Kawai's commitment is to bring the practice of council to communities globally